missing screws

[gsmithp]

I bought a used late 2006 imac on craigslist that had a weary superdrive and after taking the back cover off to take it out I discovered I wasn't the first one back there. Many missing screws. 3 from bottom grill cover, one from LCD, 2 from inverter plug on main board, and no screws (3) at all holding the 'handle' bracket onto the superdrive. Possibly more if I look harder. I shook it out just in case they were hiding in there. I think the previous owners 16 year old was the culprit. Anyone have a lead on where to get replacement screws before I put this thing back together. I sent some requests out to ebay parts sellers with no responses yet. They are really tiny screws some with torx heads. Thanks a bunch.

 

[TattooedMac]

Go to a electronics store and they should have what you are looking for. Dont know where you live, but here in Aust we have ole faithful, D ick Smiths.
But if thats what you are looking for, a place like that would be my 1st port of call.

And the beauty of going into a store is you can take said screw with you and do a comparison, so you know exactly what you are buying, and the offer to refund or exchange if you get the wrong ones. Anyone off eBay could just give you the wrong ones, you need to wait for shipment and all that mumbo jumbo ...

Hope it helps some

Cheers

 

[gsmithp]

Thanks Tattoo, I have scouted radio shack and my favorite fastener outlet and nothing this small. Apple fasteners seem to be a little on the proprietary side and I'd rather not change ANY specs on this thing even screw size. I may be able to score a junk ibook or some such for cheap enough that may use what I need. I'll keep looking. I'm retired...time I got (knock on wood).

 

[toMACsh]

Call an Apple Store?

 

[hughvane]

Screws for electronic components are mass-produced, rather than being proprietary. As TM has suggested, you should be able to locate them at an electronics store, perhaps more an electronics repair shop. Those guys retain screws from numerous scrap jobs, so should have something for you. If you have a micrometer, measuring screw length and gauge could be useful in sourcing replacements.

 

[chscag]

Thanks Tattoo, I have scouted radio shack and my favorite fastener outlet and nothing this small. Apple fasteners seem to be a little on the proprietary side and I'd rather not change ANY specs on this thing even screw size. I may be able to score a junk ibook or some such for cheap enough that may use what I need. I'll keep looking. I'm retired...time I got (knock on wood).

Nice being retired. Plenty of time, and plenty of "honey do's". Seriously, the best place to find those small screws and torx fasteners is at Fry's Electronics or at the Micro Center store. They have rows and rows of those type of parts/screws/fasteners/etc. for electronic hobbyists and what not. That is of course if there is a store nearby your home. Otherwise, order from on line.

Regards.

 

[harryb2448]

And get yourself a set of Torx drivers and do not try and use Philips drivers. Keep plastic honey and peanut butters bottles etc. Make great storage for those odd and ends.

 

[hughvane]

And get yourself a set of Torx drivers and do not try and use Philips drivers. Keep plastic honey and peanut butters bottles etc. Make great storage for those odd and ends.

Collin Bl had a great idea - ice cub trays. Different screws in different compartments.

Couldn't help thinking when composing my initial reply that if I lived 'just along the road' from the OP, I'd have the necessary screws - and drivers! Squirrels disease - never throw anything away. I keep all the tiny grub and other small screws from dismantled computers and other electronic gear.

 

[gsmithp]

Lots of good ideas..thanks. i personally use half an egg carton to keep things sorted. Didn't plan on it, just happened to see one in the trash and thought...hey, that'll work. The screws I need are a little weird. About a quarter inch long with a shoulder about 70% from the head ending with about 1/8" length of teeny, tiny fine threads. They're for the optical drive caddy shock mounts. Since the same screws also serve to fasten the top cover of the drive I didn't want to substitute and maybe cause an internal interference problem. Since I posted for this I went ahead and ordered a new caddy that comes with screws. I got this 'as is' iMac plenty cheap enough so I figured another $20 wasn't too much. Lest any of you younger lads and or lassies think retirement is a breeze consider this...I have never been busier! I'm the only one in the entire extended family that knows which end of a screwdriver to pound on plus having time on my hands has made me very popular. Get to see the grandkids more now, tho. That's a good thing.